Abstract

VAZQUEZ, Romina C.. Taphonomy and differential preservation of human bone remains from northern Neuquén province (República Argentina). Rev. Mus. Antropol. [online]. 2019, vol.12, n.2, pp.81-92. ISSN 1852-060X.  http://dx.doi.org/10.31048/1852.4826.v12.n2.19400.

Abstract In this study we analyze taphonomic effects in two samples of human burials from archaeological sites: Aquihuecó and Hermanos Lazcano, placed in the Department of Chos Malal, Neuquén Province. The sites are close to each other (20 km.) and have similar age (early late Holocene, >3.500 BP). Even when both samples were deposited in similar environmental conditions, have similar ages and show similar burial practices, the bones preservation is markedly different. In order to understand this differential preservation, we evaluated the taphonomic signatures of bones and soil chemistry variables of both sites. Our results show that soil chemistry is adequate for a good preservation of bones in both sites. Aquihuecó sample has abundant calcium carbonate deposits on the bones. We interpret that the high content of calcium carbonate is probably responsible for the good preservation of Aquihuecó sample. More work is needed to improve the knowledge about the role of calcium carbonate in the preservation of human bones in burial contexts

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